I am ordering new ball joints tomorrow and changing them next week. Do I need to get an alignment after I change them?

 

I don't believe so

 

I don't think an alignment would be a bad idea. It might still be OK, but it may be out, too.

 

I just had an alignment done over the summer and it is still good. I'm just not sure if I need to get it done again after I put the new ones in.
Also while on this subject. I have a really loud popping sound coming from the front end when I turn left and right. Could this be related to my ball joints being shot?

 

I've been told by everyone I work with (all retired mechanics) that ANY change with the front suspension parts requires at least an alignment check. Most places (Firestone, NTB) will do an alignment check for free. It doesn't hurt to check it out.

 

I work at Firestone. Just don't mess with you tie rod in the process of the ball joint change and you should be good. Then go to Firestone and ask for a Courtesy Inspection and Free Alignment Check. All free services VIA Firestone.

 

Well in order to drop the knuckle to get to the ball joints I have to remove the tie rod from the knuckle.

 

Well I have been working part-time in a SEARS auto center for 12 years and there is no need to align the front end for a ball joint replacement. Yes you have to remove the tie rod from the knuckle, but since you do not touch or adjust the threads on the tie rod, putting the tappered end back into the knuckle does not change the alignment. Just tighten the castle nut and place a new cotter pin in the tie rod hole. Also true for changing the wheel hub bearings, no alignment is required. Check with any alignment shop about price, many are charging $15 to check alignments. They are starting to charge for the shop time to check it.

 

Ummmmm, I will completely go against everyone on this, IMHO, since you had an alignment done with bad ball joints in the first place, then yes you will need an alignment. Ball joints affect caster and camber to a degree, and you first adjust caster, then camber, then toe. If you change anything in the front end you need an alignment. I also do not endorse nor condone any chain stores, go to a reputable independent shop.

 

ummmm...
how do you know his ball joints were bad when he had it aligned the first time?
I do agree that ball joints do affect camber and caster, but camber isn't adjustable on XJ's with out specialized ball joints, and caster is adjusted via the control arms so..
If he doesn't mess with his tie rods, he should be fine just replacing the joints and not having it aligned.

To the OP, the loud popping your hearing during turns is most likely the U-joints in the axle shafts.

 

Cause I've never seen ball joints go from Fine to shot in less than a year, I guarantee you they had play in them when someone aligned it, and never checked it. Also doing work everyday has taught me to re-align them if anything on the front end is touched, only been doin' this 15 years, I may still not know anything.

 

I have replaced the u joints countless times due to the bad ball joints. Even right after I change the u joints it still makes the popping. I had my wife turn the wheel while I looked under and I notice the track bar on the axle end moving. I put in a new bolt and the popping seemed to go away for a day or two then the popping came back and its at the point now where it seams like the front end is going to just fall apart.

 

no need to get defensive, never said you didn't know anything, but IMHO wear n tear on parts is dependent on driver habit. Just because you haven't seen it, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
and how much play could they really have that the new ones won't bring you back to spec? again camber, NON adjustable on XJ's...
I did my ball joints last week after having it aligned over the summer, was in spec then, and was in spec when I put it on the alignment rack after...

OP, sounds as if you have identified the problem already, track bar bushings are shot.

 

Then tanner hands off to you for being lucky, but there is no reason he shouldn't have it checked, when most say no need. +2 on the track bar....

 

That's what I was thinking with the TB bushing but I'm no mechanical expert so I wanted to hear someone else say it. I have one bad u joint that I just changed maybe a month ago. The cap is popped out about 1/4" from the joint. I will b going to autozone to get a new one and I was looking at these ball joints to order
http://www.partstrain.com/store/deta...ower_And_Upper